In a statement in Nevada (USA) today, Zed, who is President of Universal Society of Hinduism, applauded the launching of “World Interfaith Harmony Week” by UN, saying that it was a “step in the right direction”.

Rajan Zed stressed that despite our seriously different traditions, we should learn to live together in mutual trust and peace. Dialogue would bring us mutual enrichment and help us overcome prejudices passed on to us by previous generations.

Zed pointed out that religion was a complex component of our lives and its broader and more inclusive understanding was needed.

The UN General Assembly in 2010 resolved that the first week of February be devoted to spreading “the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill in the world’s churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other places of worship… based on love of God and love of one’s neighbour or on love of the good and love of one’s neighbour, each according to their own religious traditions or convictions”, according to a UN release.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, in his message for this Week, said: Working together, we can achieve all our goals for peace, prosperity and physical and spiritual well-being.